A split between two bands I’ve been into for quite a while and was genuinely looking forward to. Hardcore/Oi! outfit Poor Impulse Control from Boston, USA, teams up with streetpunk/Oi! band Bent Out Of Shape from Friesland in the Netherlands, delivering a record that hits hard right from the start. We’ve already covered both bands in the zine—Poor Impulse Control with their EP Turist Trap and Bent Out Of Shape with their LP Old Rats On A New Ship. We also featured an interview, so it’s been easy to follow their progression. I’ve had both bands on my radar for some time, and I had fairly high expectations for this EP, released on Contra Records and Audio Epidemic Records. Luckily, those expectations were fully met.
Poor Impulse Control bring their signature mix of hardcore and Oi!, infused with a streetpunk edge. The result is a fairly hard-hitting recording that drives forward with ease and practically begs for shouted singalongs. It kicks off with For Boston—the intro comes in with a chant-style vibe reminiscent of Gotta Go, and throughout the track you get a blend of hardcore passages, rough vocals, and more melodic moments. The band plays nicely with tempo shifts and dynamics, giving the song a strong sense of energy. It’s a solid track dedicated to Boston and its scene. The song Fentanyl opens with a guitar solo and slightly tones down the aggression, but leans more into strong, group singalong choruses. Again, a very solid result. Overall, the tempo changes and the band’s sense of atmosphere work extremely well.
The second half of the split belongs to Bent Out Of Shape, who come in strong but with a different approach. Here we shift more toward a streetpunk vibe, where the vocals are less aggressive and lean more into singing than hardcore-style delivery. The first track revolves around a classic working-class theme—complaints about how things are run, which naturally fits the style. The second track, Blind Of An Eye, tackles a more serious subject, dealing with the loss of a friend due to street violence. Musically, it’s excellent, and the powerful gang vocals elevate the song even further. The topic may be heavy, but the execution is spot on.
The EP also features great artwork, which adds another layer of quality to the release. The songs from both bands maintain a high standard throughout. The combination of these two distinct yet compatible styles works surprisingly well and feels natural as a whole. For just a few bucks, you get a really strong EP that fits perfectly at a party, in a DJ set, or even digitally just blasting in your car. With Poor Impulse Control, you’ll be shouting along; with Bent Out Of Shape, you’ll be singing your heart out. This is definitely a record your collection needs.
TOP TRACKY: For Boston, Blink Of An Eye
